What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?

Therapist and psychiatrist are broad terms for two different types of mental health care providers: Those that provide talk therapy, and those that can prescribe and manage medication for mental health. Therapists provide talk therapy for mental health challenges. Their titles may vary based on training and licenses, and can include Marriage and Family Therapists, Counselors, and Social Workers. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and sometimes offer therapy. Other license types that can prescribe medication include Nurse Practitioners, MDs, and DOs. On Headway, you can find both therapists and psychiatrists to support your needs.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in mental health and can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for psychiatric disorders.

What are the different types of therapy offered by psychiatrists?

Psychiatrists offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns; psychodynamic therapy, which explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences; and medication management, where they prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications. They may also provide family therapy, group therapy, and other specialized treatments depending on the patient’s needs.

Can psychiatrists prescribe medication?

Yes, psychiatrists can prescribe medication as part of their treatment for mental health conditions.

Are all the psychiatrists on Headway licensed?

Yes, all mental health care providers on Headway are required to be fully licensed. The providers in our psychiatrist directory include clinicians that are able to prescribe and manage medications for mental health care through their license and DEA certification, including Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, MDs, and DOs.

Does my insurance cover psychiatry in California?

Today, most plans include [some sort of coverage for mental health care](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance), although they may include different coverage levels for mental health care and psychiatry. It's common for plans to cover therapy and counseling under mental health services, while psychiatry, which often involves medication management, may have separate coverage limits or require different copays. You can check your mental health coverage for your current plan by doing any of the following: - Enter your insurance plan details on [Headway](https://headway.co/) to see if we can instantly verify - Visit your insurance company's website or app - Review your EOB (explanation of benefits) and look for details on "behavioral health benefits" - Call your insurance company directly to ask

Do you need a referral to see a psychiatrist, or can you self-refer?

It depends on your unique insurance plan. Some plans may allow you to self-refer to a psychiatrist, while others may require a referral from a primary care physician.

How much will my psychiatry session cost in California?

Once you select a provider and enter [your insurance details](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance), we'll verify your insurance and estimate your in-network session costs. Because we partner with 70+ of the nation's top insurance plans, we're able to provide you with accurate estimates before you even book.

How do I find a psychiatrist in California who accepts my insurance?

Select your state and insurance on [Headway](https://headway.co/) — then, use filters to add any other preferences such as ethnicity, age, gender, and therapy style. We'll provide a list of psychiatrists who match your preferences and accept your plan, and you'll be able to review their profiles and book directly.

Which insurance plans does Headway accept in California?

Headway psychiatrists are currently able to accept Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (in select states), Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, and all Optum affiliates. These larger insurance networks also administer mental health benefits for third-party insurance carriers, and often our psychiatrists are able to accept those, as well.

Do I have to pay to use Headway?

No, it doesn't cost anything to find a psychiatrist on Headway. Once you're ready to book, we'll find [your mental health benefits](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance) and show you a price estimate for your psychiatry session. You won't be charged until after the session.

When am I going to be charged?

A few days before [your first psychiatry session](https://headway.co/clients/first-therapy-session), we'll verify your account has enough funds by placing a temporary hold on your payment method. This hold will be the same amount as your estimated session cost and will have "Headway" as the statement description. After your session, we'll cancel this hold and issue a charge for the estimated cost.

How do I pay for my care?

You can pay by card (credit, debit, HSA, FSA, or HRA Card) or by connecting your bank account. After a session, your provider will confirm the details and we'll bill your payment method on file. We're able to bill you at the time of service because our system reads your benefits in real time (vs. waiting for your claim to process).

Are video visits with a psychiatrist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurance plans will cover telehealth services (video visits) with a psychiatrist. When you add [your insurance details](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance), we can help determine if telehealth is covered by your specific plan.

Find a psychiatrist in California — covered by insurance

Saby Kirpal

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Virtual • Fresno, CA

I'm Saby Kirpal, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care. I hold Master's degrees from Chamberlain University and Walden University, graduating with Presidential Honors, reflecting my commitment to clinical excellence. My diverse professional background spans inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, giving me insight into mental health treatment at every level of care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders across age groups. My experience includes working with children as young as eight through adults in crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and ongoing medication management.

What makes my practice unique is the integration of my nursing background with psychiatric expertise. I understand how physical health, medications, lifestyle factors, and mental health interconnect. Being trilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, with conversational Spanish, allows me to serve diverse communities and appreciate how culture shapes mental health experiences.

I've worked from UCSF Health to community clinics, teaching me that excellent care isn't about the setting—it's about the relationship. Whether you're seeking help for the first time, between providers, or managing ongoing conditions, I'm here to partner with you. My approach centers on listening first, explaining clearly, and making decisions together. Mental health treatment should never feel like something done to you, but rather something we navigate together. I'm committed to creating a space where you feel respected, understood, and genuinely supported.

Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression,

Holistic, Open-minded, Warm

Accepts Anthem Blue Cross California, Aetna, Cigna,

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